On December 15, 2020, a mighty soul was released from her earthly body and returned to the Lord. The heartbreak and void were sharp and immediate. She was the epitome of beloved.

Tonie LaGail Cole-Ray was born on July 5, 1965 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Edward and Emma Marie (Engram) Cole. She was the last of their 3 children and the only girl, which her father adored and she in return was a daddy's girl. She loved her father and he spoiled her.

Tonie was always following her big brother around town and love the Southend. She was a true Creek girl. Tonie adore her big brothers which they help to mold her into the very outgoing person she was.

Edward and Emma Marie made sure their children had a Christian upbringing and attended Antioch Baptist Church were Tonie was baptized at an early age by Reverend Noble. Tonie later joined Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member.

Tonie attended Muskogee High School and during this time she birthed a beautiful baby girl. Tonie being the strong woman the Lord blessed her to be, she completed and graduated with the close net class of 1983.

After graduation, Tonie went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Eric Charles Parks, Sr. and to this union 2 more lovely children were born.

After 12 years of marriage, the union between Tonie and Eric was dissolved.

Tonie with her charming and respectful personality and infectious smile was able to obtain management positions at Claire's Boutique, Lane Bryant and Cato's.

Tonie was an avid traveler and while on one of her many adventures of exploring the world, she met her soulmate, Deacon Wayne Lee Ray from Louisiana. Deacon Ray was a truck driver and he wanted Tonie to travel the world with him forever, so they united in marriage on September 13, 1999. Tonie remained by the love her here life's side, even when his health began to fail. Deacon Ray transitioned from this life in January 2015 with Tonie at his side.

Tonie met Pentoke Mayhue by a chance encounter at a convenience store and became close friends.

Tonie had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. After completing 2 years at Connors State College and earning her Associate Degree in Growth and Child Development, she earned a bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University. This was still not enough for Tonie, so she went on to earn a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix and still having the thirst for education, Tonie earned her final master's degree of Science and Administration of Justice in November of 2010.

Tonie loved serving the Lord and the church. Tonie received her Ministry License on June 2, 2006 and became an Evangelist on November 17, 2013. Tonie's accomplishment while serving

the Lord are deeply impressive and included being a member for Minister's Alliance, President of the Women's Fellowship, 5th Sunday Fire Choir, Women's Ministry, Pastor's Anniversary Committee, Usher board, and she taught bible study, Sunday School and Vacation bible study. Tonie was active in the community. She was an active member of the NAACP and most recently ran for the office of Court Clerk. She received countless awards and recognition for her contributions to the church and her community.

Tonie's love for helping people and evangelizing sent her to multiple area such as Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dallas and Ft. Worth, Texas. She returned to Muskogee, Oklahoma and was employed at DHS as a Social Service Specialist II until her passing.

Tonie was preceded in death by her father Edward, maternal grandmother Carl Lillie Jackson, maternal grandfather Clarence Engram, Paternal grandmother Carrie Cole, Paternal grandfather Joe Cole, and brother Michael Cole. She is survived by her beloved mother Emma Marie, her children Reagan LaDonna Cole-Thompson of Broken Arrow, Ok., Erica Toinette Parks of Tulsa, Ok., Eric Charles Parks, Jr. of Oklahoma City, Ok., a brother Marcus( Jocelyn )Cole, 4 granddaughter Kennedi, Kerrigan, Jeryka and Julianne, 5 grandson Jace, Julius, Michael D., Jacari and Zion, a special nephew Rodney Thurston, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.